Thursday, July 25, 2013

Well lookie here! I almost can't believe it. Today is the day I am introducing a new pattern. And not just a new pattern, but a new line of patterns! With one for you to win! (See below for giveaway details.)

As you might guess from the name, these patterns are inspired by my own three girls. Few things bring me more joy than sewing beautiful clothing for them! I love European children's clothing, the beautifully illustrated clothing in classic children's books, and all clothing that respects what is beautiful and magical about being a child. I want to create timeless designs with quality-construction for my girls to wear and hand down, and I hope to share these designs with you.

These ideas are not really new for me, but Wee Muses Sewing Patterns offer a new level of quality to go along with them. The first PDF pattern I am introducing today, and all those that follow:

are digitally graded and drafted for the greatest accuracy

include markings and guidelines for easy pattern printing and assembly

retain the full-color photo tutorials you have seen from me previously, and

are heavily tested by seamstresses of a variety of sewing levels (look for an upcoming post showcasing them!) (UPDATE: See what my testers sewed here) .

Phew! It's been busy. But worth it I hope! I am excited to see what you think.

The Bateau Neck Top is a pattern I've been working on for some time (you may have seen a few peeks over the last months) and it's a staple I've come to really appreciate. What is more classic than this boat-neck, three-quarter-sleeve top?

I have always loved the simple, enigmatic shape. Sporty yet feminine on girls, strong yet casual on boys. Practically a requirement for the seaside but perfect for school days too. It’s as comfortable as a t-shirt but with a bit more tailoring. The three-quarter sleeves bridge the seasons. What could be better?

The Bateau Neck Top pattern includes this classic, which is perfect for girls and boys (boys!), and it also includes some fun variations.

With this one pattern you have so many options:

Classic Bateau Neck Top

Bateau Neck Top with Pockets

Ruffled Bateau Neck Top

Pleated Bateau Neck Top

Button-Back Bateau Neck Top

And then there are the fabrics! This pattern was design for knits of a wide variety, including fleece and boiled wool. And the Button-Back Bateau can also be sewn with woven fabrics. I include Tips for Sewing with Knits in the pattern if knits make you nervous (as they did me when I first sewed with them!). The Classic Bateau Neck Top is a great place to start if you've been thinking about trying knits.

I've had so much fun playing around with these tops. I love them in bold prints like these dots and stripes (ordered from this Etsy shop). And they look entirely different and a bit more dressed up in solid boiled wools. I could sew a whole wardrobe for my girls with this pattern, and just about have! But that doesn't stop me from having another set of variations planned for the next few months for both warm and cool weather.

The Bateau Neck Top pattern includes sizes 18 months to 10 years and is a 43 page PDF including 16 pattern pages for printing. It was tested in the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia and is fit to print on letter or A4 paper.

And what about my Aesthetic Nest Etsy Shop? It's still here and I'll continue to offer printables, knit and crochet patterns (and who knows what else) as I develop them for my home and family. I will also continue offering Aesthetic Nest sewing patterns, but plan to retire many of them and offer them new and improved through Wee Muses. We'll see how quickly that goes!

If you have any questions please let me know. In the meantime we'll be celebrating (one big hurdle cleared and, happily, more to go) and giving away The Bateau Neck Top pattern to two readers!

Please click through for the details and to enter the giveaway.

I'll giveaway a copy of The Bateau Neck Top PDF pattern to two randomly selected readers who enter here through July 31st.

Such a cute top! What a sweet and simple style for little girls, one that can be paired with almost any outfit. I purchased your Summer Set pattern last year and made my daughter's Christmas dress with it and your directions in your pattern are so simple to follow, even if there's a sewing technique that is new.

These are so lovely! The ruffles, ack! I'm scared of knits, but they are on my "to-tackle" list, and this just might be the pattern to do it with.

I also must say, I have such a soft spot for your little Tess. The picture of her in the ruffled floral chemise looks SO MUCH like my daughter (my husband actually thought it was our daughter once!), that seeing pics of Tess makes me wonder imagine my Ruby will be that lovely when she's that age. =)

I have loved so many of your sewing adventures and I'm so glad that I'm going to be able to buy them now! Blessing to you on this new adventure! I can't imagine that they are not going to be a total hit! Susannah Amezquita